Easy Arugula Pesto Pasta

Easy Arugula Pesto Pasta

INTRODUCTION

In a world where healthy eating can sometimes feel overwhelming, it is refreshing to discover a recipe that combines flavor, ease, and nutrition. Easy Arugula Pesto Pasta is the perfect meal that checks all these boxes. This recipe not only takes minimal time to prepare, making it great for busy weeknights, but it also offers a lighter option for pasta lovers without sacrificing taste. Packed with fresh greens and nuts, this pasta dish is rich in nutrients, making it a delight for anyone seeking a balanced meal. Whether you’re focused on weight loss or simply aiming for a healthier lifestyle, this dish makes for a fantastic addition to your menu.

WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE

This Easy Arugula Pesto Pasta is not only quick to prepare, but it also boasts many health benefits. Arugula is a leafy green that is loaded with vitamins A, C, and K, which support your immune system and help keep your bones strong. The walnuts provide healthy fats and protein, while the addition of Parmesan gives a delicious depth of flavor. This dish is low calorie, making it a good option for anyone watching their waistline. It is perfect for meal prep, as you can make a large batch and enjoy it throughout the week. Overall, this pasta dish is a great choice for anyone looking for a wholesome and satisfying meal.

HOW TO MAKE Easy Arugula Pesto Pasta

EQUIPMENT NEEDED

• Food processor
• Large pot
• Colander
• Large skillet

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 2 garlic cloves, peeled
• 4 cups baby arugula
• 1/4 cup walnuts
• 1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan plus more for serving
• Juice and zest of 1 lemon
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/3 cup olive oil
• 8 ounces linguine or spaghetti

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Finely chop the garlic cloves in a food processor.
2. Add 2 cups arugula, walnuts, Parmesan, lemon juice, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Chop everything until finely blended.
3. While the motor is running, drizzle in the olive oil through the feeder tube until the pesto is fully combined.
4. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
5. Cook the pasta until just al dente according to package instructions. Save 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta in a colander.
6. Warm the arugula pesto in a large skillet over medium heat for 1 to 2 minutes.
7. Stir in the pasta and the reserved pasta cooking water. The pesto will become creamy and coat the noodles beautifully.
8. Fold in the remaining 2 cups of arugula and lemon zest.
9. Top with additional grated Parmesan before serving.

HOW TO SERVE Easy Arugula Pesto Pasta

When serving your Easy Arugula Pesto Pasta, a portion of 1 to 1.5 cups is often a suitable serving size for most. To keep it healthy, consider pairing it with a light salad or steamed vegetables on the side. If you want to enhance the meal, add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein, making this not only a delicious dish but also a balanced high-protein meal. You can also sprinkle some nuts on top for added crunch and nutrients.

STORAGE & FREEZING: Easy Arugula Pesto Pasta

To store your Easy Arugula Pesto Pasta, let it cool completely before placing it in an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing the pesto separately from the pasta to maintain taste and texture. This way, you can enjoy a quick and healthy meal later. When ready to use, thaw the pesto in the fridge overnight and reheat it over low heat before adding it to your pasta.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

For a balanced meal, consider serving Easy Arugula Pesto Pasta with a side of roasted vegetables or a simple mixed green salad. This adds more fiber and vitamins to your plate, making it even healthier. A light vinaigrette can accompany salads to keep your meal low-calorie and refreshing.

VARIATIONS

• Healthier Version: To make a gluten-free version, you can substitute traditional pasta with gluten-free pasta. Additionally, using nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan can lower calorie count and provide a vegan option.

• High-Protein Version: Boost the protein in your meal by adding grilled chicken or chickpeas. This will make it a high-protein meal option that can support muscle growth and repair.

• Air Fryer Version: For a unique twist, consider air frying your arugula pesto ingredients before blending. This gives a smoky flavor to the pesto. Pair it with spaghetti tossed in air fryer sautéed vegetables to keep things light and healthy.

FAQs

1. Can I make this dish vegan?
   Yes, by omitting the Parmesan cheese and using nutritional yeast instead, you can create a delicious vegan version of this recipe.

2. How can I store leftover pesto?
   You can store leftover pesto in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Additionally, you can freeze pesto in ice cube trays for easy, single servings later.

3. Is this dish diabetic-friendly?
   Yes, this Easy Arugula Pesto Pasta is relatively low in carbohydrates, especially if you use zucchini noodles or whole grain pasta, making it suitable for those monitoring their blood sugar.

4. How can I customize the recipe for meal prep?
   You can cook the pasta and pesto separately and combine them just before serving. Store them in separate containers to keep the dish fresh. Add protein options later on.

MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Easy Arugula Pesto Pasta

To save time during busy weeknights, you can make the arugula pesto ahead of time. Prepare the pesto and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. You can even freeze small portions for longer storage. When it’s time to eat, cook the pasta, warm the pesto, and combine them in no time at all, giving you a fresh, healthy meal ready in minutes. This makes it an excellent dish for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy it multiple times throughout the week without much effort. Enjoying a healthy, delicious pasta dish has never been easier!

Easy Arugula Pesto Pasta

A quick and nutritious pasta dish featuring a flavorful arugula pesto, perfect for healthy meals any day of the week.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 350

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Pesto Ingredients

• 2 cloves garlic, peeled
• 4 cups baby arugula
• 1/4 cup walnuts
• 1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese plus more for serving
• 1 unit Juice and zest of 1 lemon
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/3 cup olive oil

Pasta

• 8 ounces linguine or spaghetti

Method

 

Preparation

1. Finely chop the garlic cloves in a food processor.
2. Add 2 cups of arugula, walnuts, Parmesan, lemon juice, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Chop everything until finely blended.
3. While the motor is running, drizzle in the olive oil until the pesto is fully combined.

Cooking Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook the pasta until just al dente according to package instructions. Save 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.

Combining

1. Warm the arugula pesto in a large skillet over medium heat for 1 to 2 minutes.
2. Stir in the cooked pasta and the reserved pasta cooking water. The pesto will become creamy and coat the noodles.
3. Fold in the remaining 2 cups of arugula and lemon zest.
4. Top with additional grated Parmesan before serving.

Notes

For serving, pair with a light salad or steamed vegetables. Add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein. For storage, keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze the pesto separately for longer storage.